England
Is Fergie Playing Coy On Sneijder?
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that there hasn’t been a bid for Dutch star Wesley Sneijder and that he doesn’t need him, as his current squad is stronger than last season’s squad.
But could it be that he’s just playing down his interest and waiting until the right moment to pounce? As per a report on ESPN Soccernet, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti thinks that United will make a bid for the 26-year-old.
Analysis: Sneijder pledged his future to Inter just a few days ago, but it’s a long summer, and minds can be changed, especially if United make an offer that Inter find worth considering. If everyone’s healthy, United will have a better team than last season, but that doesn’t mean that they can let the summer pass without making an addition or two that will make their better even better, which could be a good thing if you’re a bettor. Wait, what?
Ajax Courting United’s Suarez Swoop
According to the Mirror, Ajax are inviting Manchester United to make a £35m bid for striker Luis Suarez. United’s interest in Suarez is reciprocal, and the Dutch club is ready to sell the Uruguayan for the right price.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Ajax-say-Man-Utd-will-now-have-to-bid-35million-if-they-want-to-buy-Luis-Suarez-after-his-World-Cup-performances-article522065.html
Analysis: United don’t need a backup keeper right now, but okay. Sorry, had to. With the World Cup ending today, so ends the shelf life of Luis Suarez goalkeeper comments.
Liverpool Target Gyan
It’s only natural that I follow a tidbit about Suarez with one about the other man who was part of that infamous moment, isn’t it? According to the News of the World, Liverpool have made an approach for striker Asamoah Gyan. After his impressive showing in Ghana’s World Cup run, it could cost around £20m to land the Rennes star.
Analysis: Such a price might seem a little high, but there’s no doubt he has star potential. After having a couple of seasons hampered by injuries, he’s really stepped it up in the last year, scoring a career-high 13 goals last season for Rennes, netting three times in the African Cup of Nations, and adding a further three tallies at the World Cup. If he can stay fit, the sky’s the limit.
Arsenal After Algeria Star
Arsenal are considering a £4m bid for Algerian center back Rafik Halliche, according to the Sun.
Analysis: William Gallas has left the club, and Sol Campbell looks set to sign elsewhere soon, so even with the addition of Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal are still in need at center back. Halliche hasn’t yet made the breakthrough at Benfica, so they’d likely have no qualms about letting him go if Arsenal make a serious run at him.
Spurs Close In On Bellamy Swoop
According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham are close to landing Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy in a £6m deal.
Analysis: Harry Redknapp may have lost out to City when Bellamy left West Ham a year and a half ago, but that ends up working out in their favor. Not only will he land him for far cheaper than the £14m City paid for him then, but they’re also getting him coming off of one of the best seasons of his career.
Sunderland Consider Carrick
Sunderland could soon make a £7m move for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. Steve Bruce has a big hole to fill in midfield after Lorik Cana’s surprise Galatasaray move. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Carrick was clearly not at his best last season, and given that United won’t be short on options at his position next season, especially with the return of Owen Hargreaves (eventually…) and Anderson, so he’s expendable. All the same, he could step in immediately and be indispensable for Sunderland. Perhaps he might consider it a step down that he doesn’t want to take, but excelling at Sunderland will help him keep his England place more than riding the pine at United will.
Villa Offered New Striker & Ready Bentley Bid
According to the News of the World, Aston Villa have been offered AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Analysis: I’d have to say that’s an offer that shouldn’t be refused.
And according to the Mirror, Villa may be set to make another attempt at landing Tottenham’s David Bentley.
Analysis: Considering how long he’s been linked with a move to Villa, it’d be more than about time if they can finally swing a deal.
Stoke Move For Figueroa
Stoke City are set to make a £7m bid for defender Maynor Figueroa. (The Mirror)
Analysis: I’m not knocking the bid in the least, since Figueroa’s a quality defender and will make a solid defense even better, but those kinds of bids also need to be made on quality strikers, as that’ll be the difference in Stoke being able to make strides this coming season.
Spain
Real Enter Veloso Race
According to Portuguese news reports, Real Madrid are hot on the trail of Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso, with an offer of €10m plus Royston Drenthe on loan potentially in the cards. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Real Madrid aren’t short on defensive midfielders, but with Jose Mourinho quickly looking to make his imprint on the squad, there’s going to be a lot of turnover throughout the summer, and this would just be the start.
Trio In For Barca’s Marquez
Juventus, Villarreal, and Galatasaray are all interested in Barcelona center back Rafa Marquez, who is available for €7m. (Transfer Market Web)
Analysis: It looks like Barcelona must trim some fat in order to land Cesc Fabregas and perhaps Javier Mascherano, so the sooner they can get Marquez and other surplus players sold, the quicker they can push on with their transfer plans.
USA
Henry Set For MLS Move
As expected, former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry looks all but set for a move to Major League Soccer, as he’s reportedly agreed a deal with the New York Red Bulls and could be unveiled as soon as Thursday. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: There’s no telling how soon Henry would join up with his new team and when he’d step into the action, but the sooner the better. The Red Bulls are locked in a fight with the Columbus Crew for top spot in the Eastern Conference near the halfway point of the season, but Henry’s addition and successful acclimation could make the Red Bulls the team to beat down the stretch.
Russia
Kazan Capture Martins
Former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins has left VfL Wolfsburg after only one season to join two-time defending Russian champions Rubin Kazan. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Kazan find themselves seven points behind Zenit St. Petersburg thanks in large part to profligacy in attack, and the addition of a proven marksman like Martins will only serve to help their push for a third title and a better showing in the Champions League. Martins might have had a better chance to flourish at Wolfsburg this season with Edin Dzeko likely on his way out, but he’ll get to play in the Champions League, so this is a good move for him.
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